Biobanks in open-access scientific research

Introduction: Biobanks are repositories of biological samples and data used to generate new knowledge through research basic and applied to address societal issues. Aim: This paper analyzes the bioethical principles associated with biobanks and open-access scientific information. Methods: We reviewed bioethical analyses, laws, and regulations on biobanks—facilities storing human or non-human specimens with linked data—and their intersection with open-access practices. We mapped governance, consent, privacy, data sharing, benefit-risk, and justice domains. Ethical constructs guided abstraction. Multidisciplinary searches (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CAB, grey literature) plus cross-references captured sector-specific challenges in veterinary, agricultural, and public-health contexts, informing policy. Results: Various classes of biomedical studies use biological samples and genetic data from donors stored in biobanks. Ethical and legal concerns arise, nonetheless, regarding the operation of these repositories. Biobanks have at their disposal multiple ways of handling and storing biomaterials, for example, genetic information security measures and informed consent. Moreover, an international regulatory framework of biobanks, supports the development of bio-legal standards to regulate these facilities worldwide. Data and biomaterial sharing drives reproducibility and innovation, despite barriers to competition, intellectual property ownership claims, and reduced access to technology in countries with fewer economic resources. Conclusion: Sharing data/biomaterials under beneficence, justice, and honesty speeds reproducibility and innovation. Competition, intellectual property, technology hinder progress; robust governance, consent, privacy, regulation uphold autonomy, trust, and global collaboration for societal benefit. Biobanks, guided by ethical principles and clear established policies, strengthen trust, and promote scientific collaboration and social well-being.